Michael Leroy Jackson's Obituary
Michael Leroy Jackson was born September 1, 1945 in Chanute, KS. Michael was the eldest of seven children born to the late Carl E. and Betty J. Jackson. Michael’s father Carl served in the US Navy. When Michael was 3 years old, the Jackson family relocated to San Diego, California.
Michael accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and knew where he was going when his journey ended. Michael exhibited behavior that those that are true believers should strive for.
Michael attended San Diego High School for a short time before attending and graduating from Lincoln High School in 1963 where he played football. He attended San Diego Mesa College and studied accounting while working briefly at a gas station. Michael began working full-time for the U.S Post office like his father Carl, while studying court reporting. While in college he met the love of his life and soulmate Eleanor Brown. Eleanor not only became his caregiver when he became ill, she was also his “voice” and a fierce advocate on his behalf.
Michael and Eleanor married April 9, 1966 and Anthony “Tony” Jackson was born to this union in 1967. Michael took marriage and fatherhood seriously and excelled at both. And it was a given that you could not say Michael without saying “and Eleanor”.
Michael retired from the Post Office in 2000 after a 35-year career that spanned from 1965-2000. Michael gained lifelong friends while working at the Post Office. Michael took a sign language class so that he could communicate with a co-worker that was hearing impaired. He played on the Post Office baseball and bowling teams.
Michael had a passion for traveling. He and Eleanor were blessed to take many trips and Tony accompanied them as a child. Michael went on (12) cruises; (3) rail vacations; traveled extensively in Europe and throughout the U.S. As much as he loved to travel, he also enjoyed sitting out on the patio enjoying the backyard while watching TV; reading; tending to his humongous lemons or just simply dozing. He had a very strained-love relationship with the San Diego Padres, and the San Diego Chargers and was a season ticket holder for years.
He loved to bowl, in addition to playing bid whist at the George L. Stevens Senior Center and continued to do so until his health began to fail. He was well versed in the stock market and day-traded stocks that would rival a professional.
Michael had a kind heart and deeply loved his family and friends. What he loved most was to make sure everyone else was cared for, and he was the perfect host to anyone visiting his home. He was an excellent cook and loved to eat. He had a great sense of humor and made members of his family laugh at the condition or his choice of clothing, and the “care” of his cars over the years.
Michael proved to be a worthy adversary while fighting his illness, while practicing humility and grace. His illness took his voice but never took his spirit. He used a writing board to communicate, and he let you know when he was satisfied by giving his signature “thumbs up”. Michael managed to touch the hearts of the medical staff that treated him. He was able to move doctors to tears. Medical staff openly prayed for him and they were genuinely happy to see Michael when he came in for treatment. In an age when medical treatment has become impersonal, Michael’s medical providers took the time to call to check on him and Eleanor, and that was comforting to the family.
Michael was preceded in death by his beloved son Anthony; his parents Carl and Betty; and in-laws Edward and Minerva Brown who thought of him as a son.
Left to celebrate his life and cherish his memory are his loving wife and best friend of 54 years-Eleanor; his loving and supportive siblings Melvin Jackson (Beverly), Carl “Tubby” Jackson (Brenda), Peggy “Niecy” Thomas (Greg), Patricia Overstreet, Jeffrey Jackson (Sharon) and Kathy Dixon (Emmitt); (36) nieces and nephews that were blessed to call him Uncle by blood; (15) nieces and nephews by marriage & heart including his Godson and nephew Anthony “Tony” Hackworth; and two sisters in-law Cassandra Davis and Rosalyn Hackworth that loved him like a brother.
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